06.07.2026 22:41
As temperatures rose in the Hasköy district of Muş, the moments when water buffalo entered the Karasu River and ponds to cool off resembled Africa.
Shepherds grazing buffalo herds in the Karakütük village of Muş's Hasköy district bring the buffalo to the Karasu River during the midday heat.
NATURAL COOLING BREAK REMINISCENT OF AFRICA
Staying in the water for about three hours, the buffalo cool off and reduce the risk of heat-related stress. The time spent in the water also reduces the parasite load on their skin, providing protection against various skin diseases. This natural cooling break contributes to more efficient feeding, increasing milk yield. The moments when the buffalo enter the water resemble Africa.
"THEY CAN'T STAND THE HOT WEATHER"
Shepherd Yusuf Kılıçarslan, who brings the buffalo to the banks of the Karasu River to protect them from the heat, said, "We gather the buffalo at 08:00 in the morning and take them to the pasture. We graze them until midday. The buffalo can't stand the hot weather. Then we take them to the Karasu riverside to let them cool off. We bring them back home around 19:00 in the evening. We constantly try to move to shaded areas because the heat is really oppressive."